Broadband Providers

[Swirad]

I am about to purchase Broadband, which is the best value where you are not tied into a contract for 12 months? I think I need cable but am willing to give any a try if not tied into a contract. Tried one recently but kept getting cut off. Anyone recommend a good reliable one where an 'engineer' might install on my computer as Ive had many bad experiences with my last one?

[BillyNoMates]

I don't know of any of the cable companies who offer Broadband offering anything other than a 12 month contract.

I believe PlusNet do a month by month deal presented as ADSL. Worth a dig around here ;

www.adslguide.org as it covers both ADSL and cable broadband.

[Swirad]

Thanks that looks an interesting site.

[stevie21]

Surely there isn't much choice of providers if you go with cable?
If via a BT line then virgin.net don't insist on a 12 month contract but charge you �50 if you cancel within the first 12 months.
Every other provider that I've seen charges this �50 up front regardless of how long you go with them for (and they sometimes also insist on a 12 month contract).

There may be others that don't insist on the 12 month minimum but I stopped looking once I'd found virgin.net

[cybasurfa]

I'm a PlusNet broadband user and know they do monthly contracts - although I'm on a annual contract myself. I've very rarely had any probs and they're very helpful if you do. I'd highly recommend them <http://www.plus.net>
;-)

[Swirad]

I am with AOL dial up at present. I tried AOL silver but was getting cut off every 2/3 minutes up to 30 mins max? I had to continually remove the cable from back of my computer to reboot the modem. After 1 month nothing improved so went back to dial up. All I want is to ensure 100% that my broadband will work (not a lot to ask?). I have Sky upstairs and down and think my BT line is dodgy but engineer said all ok. Thinking of getting NTL broadband because it is CABLE and wont use my BT line. If my NTL doesnt work can I opt out? - still might possibly get AOL via NTL. Surely the provider cant hold me to a contract if I am not getting any service (ie Broadband). Just want a workeable Broadband and happy to pay for it if it works - should I go for NTL cable/AOL via cable or anything else? So depressed after 1 month without good quality internet - dont want to go through it again. Is there a 100% cert working broadband?

[cybasurfa]

Oh no... not the dreaded AOL!!! Steer clear! Worst ISP going, IMHO.

By the way, PlusNet don't apply penalities to customers on monthly contracts - you can cancel anytime ;-)

[Ethel]

If you can get it, telewest broadband is excellent. There is a 12 month contract, but they have good offers on at the moment..

It's certainly worth a look.

The engineer will install the broadband modem but you install the software yourself. It really is very easy.

[BillyNoMates]

NTL cable broadband is good and very reliable. When I last had it, it was a minimum 12 month contract.

As it's cable there aren't the reliability issues that there are using a regular 'phone line. You won't be able to use NTL cable for AOL though - you are restricted to their service only.

[Swirad]

Just to let people know, I did get NTL broadband in Feb 2006 and its been very reliable (touch wood) thinking about getting NTL tv (over Sky) but heard good and bad reports - should stay with the devil I know?